CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Building a new world: Japan’s infrastructure andconstruction leaders take their expertise global
From a Shinkansen railway systemboasting zero passenger fatalities in
50 years of operation to the world’s
longest suspension bridge connecting Awaji Island to Kobe, Japan isrecognized as a global leader in construction and infrastructure. Since
the country’s first construction boom
prior to hosting the 64’ Olympics,
Nippon enterprises have been admired not only for their ability tobuild engineering marvels, but for
their capacity to do so in one of theworld’s most inhospitable environments, marked by tectonic activity and mountainous regions. It istherefore no surprise to find thatsince 1990, the ‘land of the risingsun’ has consistently ranked amongst
the Top 5 in the WEF’s ‘quality of
infrastructure’ assessment.
Today, the Japanese construction
market has matured. With the oldest population in the world, Japan’s
demographic line has been sharply
declining since 2011, which has lowered the amount of new projects.
The Japanese market is currently
sustained by the rising need formaintenance and repair of aging
infrastructure, which also includes
leveraging the latest disaster prevention technologies to enhance
resilience to natural disasters. And
with Japan looking to reach carbon
neutrality by 2050, the environmentis also a major priority for those inconstruction and related industries.
“About 50 years ago, around thetime of the Tokyo Olympics, we had
the construction of the Shinkansen,
the major road networks and manyother infrastructure projects to
support the Olympics,” says Shinya
Okuda, president of civil engineering
firm Fudo Tetra. “Now, 50 years on,
it’s time to perform maintenance or
refurbish the road and rail networks
in particular but also infrastructural systems such as the water andsewage pipe networks, and this is ahigher priority than the constructionof new projects.”
In 2021, the Japanese government launched a national resilience
project, allocating a budget of 15 trillion yen over the course of five years.
“The project will basically reinforce
existing infrastructure to prevent
damage from natural disasters,” explains Katsutoshi Ogawa, presidentof Okasan Livic, a trader and manu-

facturer of construction materials.
“We have a lot of old structures, likeroads, and we need to maintain big
rivers and dams also. Our company istrying to supply good techniques andmaterials for this project, including
water and sewer pipes and bridge
reinforcement/restoration.”
Another company playing its
part in the government’s national
resilience plan is Hiraiwa, which, likemany of its peers, is actively engaged in the maintenance and repairof Japan’s existing infrastructureand facilities built over the last half
century. When it comes to disasterprevention technology, Hiraiwa is aleader in the provision of tailor-madeanti-seismic retrofitting solutions,a particularly pertinent area of expertise in earthquake-prone Japan.
“Due to the seismic regulationsin Japan becoming stricter eachtime an earthquake occurs, we geta wave of inquiries. Clients come tous and ask us to inspect their buildings that were built several years
ago to see if they still adhere to themost recent seismic regulations,”
explains Hiraiwa president Toshikazu
Hiraiwa. “Needless to say, new buildings have to be constructed according to safety regulations and seismic
retrofitting. Public facilities such as
hospitals or universities with spacious and wide areas like canteens or
gymnasiums request our assistanceto ensure the safety of their roofs
and facilities. It is not only making
sure that buildings can withstandhigh-magnitude earthquakes but
also paying attention to the surrounding infrastructure.”
In terms of natural disasters, perhaps the greatest challenge for Japan– and indeed the world – is climatechange. Like many other industries,
Japanese firms involved in construction have prioritized green technologies, including Chemical Grouting,an expert in soil improvement andstabilization that has developed environmentally friendly solutions suchas BioJet and ICECRETE.
“‘ICERETE is an environmentallyfriendly ground freezing method thatmeans we no longer have to use
cement to reinforce soil,” explainscompany president Yuichi Tachiwada, who aims to bring Chemical
Grouting’s technologies to countries
around the globe. “We want theworld to know about our technologies. If we have more people collaborating, then we can protect the
Earth together. We want to comeup with measures that will tackle
the problems that global warming isbringing about. So, we will continue
to develop technologies that address
this challenge.”Fuji-I-Tec, which specializes inheat insulation, sound insulation,
fire-proofing, asbestos removal andthe painting of various types ofplants including power generation
facilities, is also playing a small but
important role in the path towards
carbon neutrality. “We do not consider our company a key player
in changing the industry because
we are such a small company,”president Fumio Uchikawa states.
“Nevertheless, we are extremely
proud that our insulation technology highly contributes to the realization of a carbon-neutral society
and the efficiency of a facility.”
Japan’s aging and shrinking population has also presented a challenge to the Japanese constructionindustry when it comes to finding
new recruits. With a shrinking domestic labor pool, companies mustturn to new technologies such as
automation, while trying to market
the industry as an attractive career
option for young Japanese.
“Many Japanese companies are
struggling in relation to their HR
activities because it’s very difficult
to employ new graduates from university, especially in the construction industry. Less than 10% of ourworkers are between the ages of
19 and 25, so something must be
done to regenerate our workforce,”
states Seigo Minamioka, president
and CEO of construction equipment
rental company Nikken. “One of ourstrengths is the ability to recognise
problems and one of those problems
right now is the shrinking labor
force, with the solution being in ourservices and IT.”
Japan, traditionally an insularcountry, also aims to welcome
more foreign workers as a means
to address the labor shortage. “TheJapanese government is now pursuing immigration policies for foreign
workers to increase the labor force,
especially in the medical, technology, and construction fields,” says

Yoshinori Takahashi,
President,
NEW COSMOS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Masaaki Katsuyama, president ofFuwa Metal. “We have a stance on
contributing to the industry in ourown way, but in order to make up forthe shortage of human resources inJapan, the government will need along-term strategy.”
A large portion of the foreign
construction workers destined toland on Japan’s shores will comefrom Southeast Asia, a fast-growing
region where many Japanese construction and related companies
have turned their attention amid thedwindling demand for new projects
on the domestic market. Driven by
rapid economic and demographic
changes and by reforms that facilitate PPPs, the value of mega projects(those worth more than $25 million)in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region alone
stands at an incredible $2.9 trillion.
Since 2000, Japan has financed
more than $230 billion worth ofprojects in the region, more than any
other country thus far.
When it comes to construction
projects and related materials andmachinery, Japan is renowned in
the region for delivering the highest quality, thanks to companies
like Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM), which aims to expand
throughout Asia, as well as the
U.S., Latin America and Africa.
For HCM president Kotaro Hirano,
the reputed ‘Made in Japan’ brandgives Japanese construction machinery manufacturers an edge
over competitors. “One characteristic of the Japanese industry
is that the whole supply chain
has high standards, and thosestandards are applied across theentire industry. So as a result, thefinal products show a markedly
different level of quality.”

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Mitsui Miike, another company
offering machinery of the highest
quality and durability, also has plansto grow internationally, and particularly in the ASEAN region. “Theproducts for which we would liketo expand sales overseas are roadheaders for tunnel excavation, 1-2
MW small hydroelectric power generation equipment, biomass power
generation transportation equipment, and planetary gearboxes (forexcavators, large cranes, excavators,etc.),” explains president Motohiko
Nakamura. “Hopefully, we will also
be able to provide power through theelectricity generation business weare starting. We would like to takeour hydropower generators overseas
and sell them in relevant markets,
such as Southeast Asia.”
Japanese firms engaged in water
treatment and sewage are supporting the development of water infrastructure throughout Southeast Asiaand beyond with the help of Japan’s
overseas development assistance(ODA) programs. “In countries andregions where water and sewage
facilities are underdeveloped, we
believe that pipe jacking methods
can play a major role in achieving asafe and hygienic environment,” says

Kyoichi Yasuda, president of Yasuda
Engineering, a leader in pipe-jacking
solutions. “Some developing countries have already begun to develop
water pipes and sewerage facilities
with loans from other countries including Japan, but Japan plans tocontinue to provide support through
ODA, and we would like to work
mainly on pipe jacking work.”
Addressing the growing global
concern of water scarcity is a major
priority for Nihon Suido, which is
involved in the ODA business to support developing countries for cleanwater supply and sewage treatment.
“In Indonesia, we started off with
ODA projects. We bought companies
in Jakarta and made that a hub forour business once those projects
were completed,” explains company
president Kazunori Mayama. “India
is also an important market. Throughthe ODA scheme, we were involved in
two big projects there.” Nihon Suido
uses the latest digital technologies
to offer state-of-the-art solutions
for water management, which Mr.
Mayama says “is critical when we
anticipate scarcity in the future”.
For its part, Awa Paper is another leader in wastewater treatment, having developed innovative

filtration systems such as M-fine,which is a flat-sheet membrane
for membrane bioreactors (MBRs).
“Awa Paper can produce anything
related to water treatment in different industries that require differently adjusted water filtration
systems,” comments president
Yasuhiro Miki. “Excluding drinking
water and the production of beverages, in the context of wastewater
treatment, we are emphasizing
the recyclability and reusability ofwater, with new initiatives being
applied to what is truthfully an
old business. With adjustments infiltration processes, we can reachnew, excellent filtration levels applicable to different industries.”
Japan’s disaster prevention technologies also cover the likes of gas
alarms and it is another area in which
the Nippon nation excels, thanks tocompanies like New Cosmos and Figaro Engineering. As a result of theincreasing use of natural gas alarms
in Japan, where New Cosmos holds
a 70% market share of the market,
deaths from gas explosions have virtually been eliminated. New Cosmos
president Yoshinori Takahashi wants
to help other countries reach such
milestones. “We feel our experiencein Japan can be replicated elsewherein countries that need it most. In fact,
recent data shows that many people
in the U.S., U.K., France, and othercountries still experience deaths due
to gas explosion accidents and we aremaking significant efforts to provide
gas alarms to overseas markets.”
As a specialized manufacturerof gas sensors and modules, Figaro
Engineering made heavy investment
into its R&D capabilities, allowing
the firm to design leading MEMS
sensor technology. “Our battery
operable sensors can be utilized
in wireless and portable devices.
To that end, we are expecting to
expand our miniaturized products
in various fields that represent thefrontier of innovation,” says president
Toshihiro Udaka, who adds that thecompany seeks international partners to further enhance innovation
as it looks to strengthen its global
presence. “Looking to the future, we
are interested in open innovation andworking together not only with domestic but also overseas companies,
especially startups. We are looking
for a partner who can change ourbusiness model by integrating ourcore technology with theirs to create
something innovative.”

Nihon Suido Consultants: Leading thewater sector with sustainable services
Since its inception in 1959, Nihon Suido Consultants (NSC) has been contributing tovarious business solutions through sustainable growth in the field of water supply andsewerage systems in over 70 countries as a leading engineering consulting firm.
With water scarcity currently
on the global collective mind,
confronting it requires companies with experience, reliability and high technology – andNihon Suido Consultants finds
itself fitting the bill perfectlyfor such a task.
Having already had various
successes overseas – Brazil, Sri
Lanka and Indonesia to namebut a few – NSC’s integrated approach provides the backbone ofits success. President Kazunori
Mayama explains: “So far, wehave accumulated knowledge
overseas through the work ofplanning and designing of many
water and sewage facilities. From
now on, we will use the special
technology we have developed
to provide sustainable services
and contribute to solving water
problems around the world.”

maintenance information, while
guaranteeing effective asset man-

To combat such problems, Nihon
Suido can count on technology
which simulates nature’s water
cycle and models the ground inquestion. Then, simulated rain on a
100,000-1 million year timeframe
is added in order to provide a basemodel for future infrastructure
and city-building models. This forecast can be run on a 10-20 year
time period in any area with water
management issues.
The technology can also pinpoint
radioactive substances within thesystem. Later, during the management phase, technology such as
Blitz GROW and Blitz GIS takecenter stage – two cloud-based
services that regulate facility and“NSC is even able to simulate
future water environments
using sophisticatedmodelling, including
technology that simulates
nature’s water cycle.”
Kazunori Mayama, President,
and Kyogo Nomura, Vice
President, Nihon Suido
Consultants Co., Ltd.

agement. One other technology recently developed by the company
is a high-performance 360-degree
camera. The firm’s engineers canobserve the interior of sewer pipes,
after which AI reads the data andinstantly identifies the location ofany deterioration.

When cutting-edge technology
meets experience and know-how,success is guaranteed. As such,
NSC’s undoubted strengths will
become increasingly needed in aworld where fears increase evermore when it comes to the topic
of the provision of water.
http://en.nissuicon.co.jp

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

tect Natural Gas Alarms in 2019.
Con Edison has since had over
800 gas leak warnings which
prevented possible tragic outcomes. The results consistently
reveal that installing Natural Gas
Alarms is the right investment
to save lives and prevent catastrophic property damage.

Natural Gas
Explosions are
a Global Concern

Gas Alarms Save Lives
In Japan, 114 people died fromgas explosions in 1982. In response, gas companies took various proactive safety measures
including mass installations ofresidential gas alarms. Now, because most homes in Japan are
equipped with NEW COSMOSELECTRIC gas alarms, the number of fatalities due to residential
gas explosions has been reduced
to almost zero.

Trusted Leader in the Gas
Alarm Industry
Since its inception, NEW COSMOS ELECTRIC has been at theforefront of innovation, introducing the first ever residential
gas alarm to the world in 1964.
Currently, it holds a 70% market
share for Natural Gas Alarms inJapan. NEW COSMOS was also
the first to develop a long-lifebattery powered Natural Gas
Alarm using MEMS gas sensor technology and the first to
deliver a battery-powered AMI
smart Natural Gas Alarm to the
U.S. The company has sold over
70 million residential gas alarms
worldwide and have expanded
into seven different countries,
most recently expanding into
the U.S. in 2019. NEW COSMOS
is well-positioned to continue toaccelerate their mission to help
eliminate deaths due to gas explosions and make a huge impact
as a long-standing, trusted global
leader in the gas alarm industry.

Solutions to Gas Explosion
Accidents
In 2014, a gas explosion destroyed two five-story buildings
in New York City, resulting in multiple deaths, fifty injuries and thedisplacement of more than one
hundred families and businesses.
As a result, Con Edison, a New
York utility company, began installing New Cosmos DeNova De-

NEW COSMOS ELECTRIC has
one of the largest R&D gas
sensor manufacturing facilities
in the world

Many people die or are injured from hundreds of natural gas explosions each year.
These catastrophic explosions can devastate a home, its occupants and destroy
nearby buildings in seconds. To prevent this, it’s important to understand how gas
leaks occur and what you can do to keep you and your family safe.
Causes of Gas Explosions• Aging utility gas pipes• Loose or cracked fittings• Poor maintenance of gas hoses
and home appliances• Gas build-up in enclosed areas• Improperly installed gas
appliances

How You Can Prevent Gas
Explosions
Make sure to install DeNova Detect Natural Gas Alarms near all
gas appliances. During installation,
your alarm should be placed at the
optimal location between 4 to 12

inches from the ceiling. Lastly, besure to schedule routine maintenance checks of appliances.
DeNova Detect Gas Alarm
Benefits• Battery-powered for easy installation and no wiring required• 6-year battery & service life
alarm with no additional batteries needed or electricity costs• Early detection technology with a
10% Lower Explosion Limit (LEL)• Innovative MEMS technology
sensors virtually eliminate nuisance alarms• Quicker gas detection provides
an average of 11 minutes more
escape time which can savemore lives

Our Mission is to Protect
People and Property
With Innovative Natural Gas
Safety Technology.
Learn more atwww.denovadetect.com/newsweek

ML-310ESCONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Nissei Build Kogyo: Bringing ready-made solutions
for society’s housing needs
Since its establishment in 1961, Nissei Build Kogyo has always prided itself on being
the one and only company engaged in prefabricated houses, system architecture,and multi-storey car parks that provides comprehensive support, from development,
manufacturing and construction to after-sales services.
In an era with a declining number count on an extremely strong humanof workers due to Japan’s aging resource platform. In the firm, every
demographic, Nissei Build Kogyo is employee is provided with both theusing its 60-plus-year experience skills and subsequent encourageto systematize old, labor-intensive ment to prioritize solutions based
methods within its industry. The firm on what works best for the enviachieves this by increased production ronment, society and, of course, theof custom-made prodcustomers. Employees
ucts as well as those
operate under a detailwith predeterminedoriented sales system
specifications. Presithat enables instantdent Hideki Ueda exresponse to the needs
plains one of the firms’of customers. One exmain targets: “My goal
ample of this approachis to turn about 80%
was seen during prepof the things that we
arations for the Tokyodo manually into these
Olympics. Some areas
Hideki Ueda,
prefabricated systemsof the city experienced
President,
and technologies.”
a dramatic and temNissei Build Kogyo Co., Ltd.
In its quest to stanporary swelling in
dardize its methods,
population, and conseNissei Build Kogyo can www.nisseibuild.co.jp/en quently there were notenough schools. Accordingly, Nissei
Build Kogyo snapped into action toprovide temporary school buildings
and kindergartens to help accommodate the people affected.
One comprehensively rounded
product that brings the firm muchpride is “V-Span-S”, an innovative
approach which systematizes all theprocesses involved in the building of
housing, from design to construction.
By using such a method, customers
not only get a better price but overall
project time is also cut significantly.
Mr. Ueda comments: “I think it israre to find a system builder like us
in the medium-sized market where
V-Span-S excels, and I am extremely
proud of it.” The thorough approach
offered by V-Span-S will undoubtedly propel the company to further
success both at home and abroad.

[Parking Structure with Ramps]
Visitor’s parking lot[Steel-frame Buildings]
Botanical garden[Prefabricated House]
Temporary school building[Steel-frame Buildings] Cowshed

No doubt the finest geo-doctor
Founded in 1963, Chemical Grouting has been supporting the construction industry
through its disaster prevention technology that strengthens buildings and infrastructure.

Koishihara River Dam
The technology revolution has significantly transformed some industries,
but sometimes you have to look alittle deeper to find the groundbreaking progress technology has enabled
in other sectors. Grouting is an example of the latter, and Japaneseconstruction company Chemical
Grouting is one of the companies
pushing the industry forward with
its world-leading technology.
Founded in 1963, Chemical Grouting has developed technologies usedaround the world, including the jet
grouting method, which uses highpressure water that cuts throughthe ground and mixes with cement
slurry. "We don't intend to monopolize our technologies, and we hopethat engineers around the world will
actively use them,” says company
president Yuichi Tachiwada.
Chemical Grouting has developed
innovative, environmentally friendly
technologies to contribute to theachievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TheICECRETE method, for example, isa new ground-freezing technologythat utilizes liquefied CO2 at -45°C tostabilize the ground without the useof chemicals or cement. In addition,
the ICECRETE method uses 40%“Not only in construction,
Chemical Grouting has
high technology and iscontinuously developing
the ability to provide
solutions to the problems
underground.”Soil remediation technique, BioJet™

Ground freezing method, ICECRETE

less electricity than the conventional
freezing method, contributing to the
reduction of CO2 emissions.
The BioJet™ method, meanwhile,is an environmentally friendly solution
for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil. This technology has beencommercialized with the cooperationof U.S. company EOS®, and has beencommended by the U.S. Department

Yuichi Tachiwada, President,
Chemical Grouting Co., Ltd.
of Commerce. Chemical Grout is also
in the process of licensing the technology to a Taiwanese company.
Moving forward, Chemical
Grouting seeks other international
partners to help develop innovative technology to tackle global
environmental challenges.
www.chemicalgrout.co.jp/en

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Structure study by BIM

A scenery of construction

Long bridge construction

Hiraiwa: the comprehensive
construction company
Serving local residents, government offices, major general contractors and manyothers, Hiraiwa aims to work as a close partner in clients’ construction projects.
Remodeling, retrofitting, andreconstruction are pushing theconstruction industry towards
a more sustainable, safer future.
Construction companies must
be able to guarantee strong life
cycles for their new builds whilst
offering clients the opportunity
to retrofit older buildings withthe latest technology.

making certain that buildings canwithstand high-magnitude earthquakes but also paying attention to
the surrounding infrastructure. For
example, we are promoting disaster prevention planning including astorehouse for emergency supplies
and an electric supply system incase of a blackout while securing
enough space for evacuation.”ment offices, and general contractors to have benefited fromthis technological approach areseveral nursing homes, with Hiraiwa determined to serve theneeds of Japan’s aging society.
Advanced systems such as
BIM require technicians of thehighest quality, and Hiraiwa
employs talented workers from

Newly completed nursing home

Perth image by BIM

Newly completed factory in Vietnam
Japan’s Hiraiwa offers customers
a one-stop shop from design to construction and maintenance, priding
itself on the safety provided by its
innovative technology. Founded in
1946, Hiraiwa recognized the needfor repair works in the industry
before its rivals, establishing its
renewal division some 20 years
ago with a focus on eco-friendly
methods. This renewal work includes the retrofitting of Hiraiwa’s
tailor-made anti-seismic solutions,
helping its customers meet Japan’s
strict seismic regulations. As president Toshikazu Hiraiwa explains,the company’s work goes beyond
simple building safety: “It is not only

Hiraiwa applies the same quality from its retrofitting to its new
designs, employing industry-leading technology to ensure worker
safety and customer satisfaction.
Through its Building Information
Modeling (BIM) system, which
incorporates CG animation andVR, the company ensures there
is no discord between the client’s
idea of a project and the proposal
at the design stage.
Mr. Hiraiwa says the system
has created a smoother workflow
because it avoids “a long processof frequent correspondence andless efficient implementation”.
Among the residents, govern-

across Asia at its construction
sites, to ensure not only efficiency but also safety, using technology to prevent disasters andminimize the workers needed at
excavation sites.
Not only has the company incorporated talent from abroad, it
has also expanded beyond Japan’s
shores and into Vietnam, where
it offers Japanese quality service
with local market knowledge. For
now, its customer base is primarily
other Japanese companies whichhave relocated to Vietnam andneed factories or warehouses.
However, there is an increasing
demand across Vietnam for higher“BIM allows us to present
our proposals using
perspective andcomputer graphics.”
Toshikazu Hiraiwa,
CEO,
Hiraiwa Construction Co., Ltd.
quality construction solutions, andHiraiwa has positioned itself toprovide these solutions as demand
continues to grow in the future.
This higher quality construction
also reduces the long-term lifecycle costs of a project for clients,
and as Mr. Hiraiwa points out, thisin turn reduces carbon dioxide
emissions proactively.
Hiraiwa is not only at the vanguard of the construction industry in terms of the technology it
uses, but also with its working
conditions. The company is intent
on reducing working hours andimproving its employees’ working environment, with compensatory days off, a No Overtime
Day, and a five-day working week
policy. Hiraiwa hopes flexible anddiverse working styles can attract the best workers, be they
domestic or international; menor women. Mr. Hiraiwa says: “Wewill be able to support social development by our active employment of women, the elderly, andforeigners, providing various opportunities to motivated people.
It is a revolutionary approach,especially for SMEs like Hiraiwa.”
This approach is part of Hiraiwa’s wider mission to be a goodneighbor, providing efficient,safe, and high-quality construction through modern technology
which is bringing construction
into the digital age.

www.hiraiwa.co.jp

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

The concrete plant specialist with a global outlook
A pacesetter in Japan with over 70 years’ experience, KYC Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
has set its sights on international expansion and a greener future.
demand for construction, its
to release Japan’s
focus is increasfirst twin-shaft
ingly beyond Jaconcrete mixer in
pan’s borders, says
1974. “Nowadays
president and repit’s a conventional
resentative director
technology, but
Masatoshi Naokawa.
back then it was“We’re looking toquite revolutionary.”
Masatoshi Naokawa,
expand our existing business
Today, KYC remains at the
President andin emerging economies, for ex- Nexster cutting edge of its field, havRepresentative Director,
ample in Southeast Asia, because ing launched the Nexster twin-shaft
KYC Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
their infrastructure sector is mixer in 2020. “It’s been upgraded
Founded in 1950, Osaka-based flourishing, and their geographi- with unique spiral blades for fast
KYC is a major manufacturer of cal proximity to Japan gives us flow and homogeneous mixing,
concrete batching plants and mix- easier access,” he explains.
making it extremely cost effective.”ers, as well as other construction
This strategy is the continuation
machinery and equipment, such of a long-held global outlook at
as scaffolding and
KYC. The firm hasconveyor systems.
delivered more than
KYC has estab900 plants overseas
lished international
in Asia, the Middle
sites in China, South
East and Africa
Korea, Singapore,since the 1960s, Seraya Bridge in Singapore
the Philippines, Taiwhile a technicalA priority at KYC is to address
wan and Vietnam
tie-up with German reducing its carbon footprint– and amid decompany BHS-Son- from corporate activities to help
creasing domestic
thofen GmbH led it to solve the problem of climate
Power cargo

KYC BP delivered to SAGA-UBE
CONCRETE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
change. “Our goal is to develop
environmentally-friendly products based on power saving andweight reduction, and realize acarbon-neutral society” .
For example, KYC’s lightweight,
next-generation Iq System scaffolding “reduces the need for larger
delivery trucks as it requires only
half the volume of conventionalframed scaffolding,” Mr. Naokawa
says. “This will greatly contributeto the reduction of CO2 emissions.”
https://www.kyc.co.jp

Technology for a greener, more sustainable future
A specialist in transport and storage equipment for mineral resources, century-old
company Mitsui Miike Machinery is applying its expertise in quality, custom-madetechnology to pursue the goal of carbon neutrality.

“Our strengths are
the same as those ofJapanese monozukuri:
high quality, efficiency
and durability.”
Motohiko Nakamura,President, Mitsui Miike
Machinery Co., Ltd.
Established in 1882, Mitsui Miike
Machinery specializes in material
handling systems, manufacturingtransport and storage equipment
for steelworks and power stations.
The Fukuoka-based company’s
portfolio of custom-made products also includes tunnel excavation machinery, and technology forhydroelectric generation systems.

According to President Motohiko
Nakamura, Mitsui Miike is guided
by a commitment to the principles
of monozukuri, the pursuit of perfection that underpins manufacturing in Japan. “Our strengths are
the same as those of Japanesemonozukuri: high quality, efficiency
and durability,” he says.
Mitsui Miike’s top-selling material handling products are stackers,
which stow mineral resources inan open-yard storage space, andreclaimers, which discharge thestowed materials. Currently, thefirm chiefly supplies clients in thesteel industry, but the marketplaceis shifting. “There have been increasing calls for carbon neutrality
and there has been a reduction
in steel production, so we needto investigate other propositions
that respond to these trends,” Mr.
Nakamura explains.
As a result, Mitsui Miike hasbranched out into material handling equipment for biomass power plants, and is also embracing

renewable energy sources in its
power transmission and generation
business, including the development of hydroelectric power generation systems.

Mitsui Miike’s products are sold
both in Japan and around the world– and products that promote greener energy are among those thatwill be central to the company’s
goal of international sales growth,
Mr. Nakamura says. For example,
he notes, “we’d like to take ourhydropower generators overseas
and sell them in relevant markets,
such as Southeast Asia”.

www.mitsuimiike.co.jp/english

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Yasuda Engineering: Japan’s pipe jacking specialists
Yasuda Engineering has developed numerous proprietary pipe jacking methods andtechnologies to contribute to underground infrastructure development in Japan, andis now looking to expand across South East Asia, including Vietnam.

“We strive to ensure
quality and to drive
down cost, to provide
excellent structuresthat earn the trust of
our customers, and tocontribute to society
with our technology.”
Kyoichi Yasuda,
President,
Yasuda Engineering Co., Ltd.
Today, the adoption of pipe jacking– a method where hydraulic jacks
are used to thrust pipes through theground – has become increasingly
rare because maintenance of existing sewerage systems is considereda major undertaking. However, Yasuda Engineering continues to lead

Milling Mole TBM

Vietnam Package-G project
the field in this niche construction
technique, particularly as pipe jacking works will still be required for
new water, gas, and electric power
supplies to homes and buildings in
the future, explains Kyoichi Yasuda,
President of Yasuda Engineering.

Whilst the domestic Japanesemarket continues to be the base of
Yasuda Engineering’s main operations, the shrinking construction
sector – due to the maturation ofunderground infrastructure development – prompted the company
to expand its business in 2010 byseeking new opportunities in thefast developing economy of Vietnam, where demand for infrastructure works are high.
“Since entering Vietnam, we havehired and trained local Vietnameseengineers, and some of them havebeen invited to Japan to learn thepipe jacking method, which is a very
unique Japanese construction method,” says Noboru Yasuda, Director
and General Affairs and Personnel
Department GM. “And now they
are among the top-class specialist
technicians in pipe jacking.”
Since its foray into the international market, Yasuda Engineering
has also been firmly focusing on
the expansion of machinery andequipment factories, as well as the

Image of Milling Mole methodarea of research anddevelopment, to support its business expansion. Initially thecompany purchased
and outsourced allits machines, but
now has more than
100 different typesof in-house manufactured pipe jacking
machines.
“Since developing
our own machines,
we’ve also developed
the Jyat method which can construct a curved underground tunnel
over a long distance by performing
automatic surveying using a highspec CCD camera sensor and LED
target,” says Takeshi Yasuda, Managing Director and Construction andTechnical Department GM. “In order
to install the jacking pipe at the specified position and height, surveying at
an accuracy of millimeters is required.
Before we developed this method,
the maximum distance that could
be surveyed was about 100 meters
in a straight line. However, with the
Jyat method, we’ve made it possible
to automatically survey 300 meters
or more, and it is also now possible toconstruct perfectly curved tunnels.”
Another innovative solution that
Yasuda has focused on is a method
to overcome the challenges of laying
new pipes amidst crowded underground infrastructure. When reconstructing a pipeline network forlarge-scale urban redevelopment,a social infrastructure network isoften already in place in those cities,
with the subterranean area full of
existing pipelines of various kinds.
In such a situation, metal obstacles such as PC piles and steel
sheet piles left in the ground werepreviously not able to be excavatedeasily with existing pipe jacking machines or shield machines.
“It used to take a lot of time andcost because there was no choiceother than to change the pipe alignment to avoid these obstacles or to
dig up from the ground and remove
them,” says President Yasuda. “So, in2011 we developed a Milling Mole
method that is equipped with anelectromagnetic wave sensor that
detects metal and can be cut with a
special part to penetrate obstacles.
The great benefit of the Milling Mole
method is that the metal can be cut
into very small pieces by ultra-slow
excavation, taken into the machine
together with excavated mud, andtransported above ground. This isa very effective method for pipe
jacking work where obstacles exist
on the planned line.”
Fast-forward a decade later andthe company’s most recent R&D
efforts are centered around unmanned tunnels (automated pipe
jacking), not just for greater efficiency but also to improve safety
in the tunnel and address the issue
of a shortage of skilled operators insuch a niche field like construction.
“Since operating a pipe jacking
machine requires specialized skills
and knowledge and it takes a long(From right)
Kazunari Yasuda, Senior Managing
Director, Noboru Yasuda, Director,
Takeshi Yasuda, Managing Director
time to train new people as operators, we are working on developing
machines that are easy to handle
even for inexperienced people,”
explains Takeshi Yasuda. “At thesame time, the development of
automatic pipe jacking machines isurgently needed to respond to theimpact on the construction industry due to the aging and declining
population of Japan.”
Looking forward, as well as continuing to innovate to overcome theinherent challenges of the Japaneseindustry, the company is planning on
further expansion overseas to takeadvantage of developing markets
where investment in new infrastructure works and projects are set toexperience increased growth.
“There are always risks involved
when expanding business overseas, and it is difficult to set specific target countries, but in our
expansion plan we would like tocooperate with general construction companies in the Asia region
and proceed with business as a
specialist in pipe jacking work. Our
main target would be the Japan
Official Development Assistance(ODA) programs,” says Kazunari
Yasuda, Senior Managing Director
and Overseas Business Division GM.
“We would like to make use of theexperience we’ve gained in Vietnam
and the pipe jacking specialists we’vemanaged to cultivate locally in order
to expand our business to Southeast
Asian countries. We also plan to sell
and rent the pipe jacking machineryand equipment manufactured inhouse to overseas pipe jacking contractors, while also providing themwith technical guidance,” explains
President Yasuda about the company’s plans for the future.

www.yasuda-eng.co.jp/en/top_en/

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Okasan Livic supports building of a safer Japan
Okasan Livic, which specializes in construction solutions for Japan’s infrastructure development, is focused on
developing new products that can build the country’s roads and railways while defending the infrastructurefrom natural disasters.

“We look carefully atconstruction sites tounderstand and suggest
user needs.”
Katsutoshi Ogawa,President,
Okasan Livic Co., Ltd.

There needs to be both maintenance for old facilities and new
construction projects among
these public works projects, Mr.
Ogawa affirms. “With regard to
Shinagawa, the location of ourhead office, the train station will
be overhauled for the new railway line. It will be the starting
point of the new Maglev Shinkansen, which will go to Nagoya. As
a result, we expect there will be
projects in the Shinagawa area
for the next ten to twenty years.
We supply a lot of the technology
needed by the general contractors involved.”
In addition to this opportunity
for the company, the Japanese
government is currently undertaking a large national resilience
project, allocating a budget of

As both a trading company anda manufacturer of construction materials, Okasan Livic
is heavily involved in Japan’s
infrastructure development,

Corrugated pipes
with a focus on public works
projects. The typical solutions
the company offers include corrugated pipes, liner plates andthe multi-anchor reinforced soil
wall method, among others.
“At the moment, there are a
lot of public facilities in Japanthat are not visually appealing,
but there are projects that will
amend this,” says Katsutoshi
Ogawa, President of Okasan
Livic. “For example, our Metropolitan Expressway runs directly
above Nihonbashi – Tokyo’s business district and the starting
point of National Highway No.
1 – and there are plans to develop the expressway itself as
an underground route in orderto improve the traditional landscape of the area.”Multi-anchor reinforced soil method
15 trillion yen over the next five
years. The project aims to reinforce existing infrastructure toprevent damage from natural
disasters, of which Japan is notoriously prone. “Our company
is trying to supply good techniques and materials for this,including water and sewer pipes
and bridge reinforcement andrestoration,” says Mr. Ogawa.
Today, a lot of Japanese generalcontractors are also working on
new infrastructure projects, with
Okasan Livic providing products

EDO-EPS method
and solutions to enhance productivity and longer durability of infrastructure through technology.

“We are the company thatprovides construction methods
as a solution, helping workers complete the project efficiently by themselves withour construction guidance if
required,” explains Mr. Ogawa.
For instance, EDO-EPS is thecompany’s method that usesvery light foam material, helping shorten the duration of theconstruction work without theneed for ground improvement.
Due to the high frequency ofrain in Japan, the company alsooffers groundwater tanks, or“Geopools”, made of recycled“The national government is focusing
on how to make existing public facilities and infrastructure more durable. As
we all know, Japanis a country prone tonatural disasters. It’s
impossible to stop, but
at least you can try to
mitigate the damage.
We have those clear
targets, and we aretrying to find solutions with
our R&D projects.”
With the intensity of heavy
rain in Japan increasing due
to climate change, soil structures and natural slopes are
becoming fragile resulting in
more frequent landslide events.
Working to address the issue,
Okasan Livic has developed a
special drainage reinforcing
pipe to reinforce the stability ofembankments prone to waterlogging, particularly near vital
infrastructure such as roads
and railways.
“Looking back on the historyof Okasan Livic, we have beenin this field for fifty years and
we are providing materials forcivil engineering construction.
We started with corrugatedpipes, and since then we have

Innerseal α (alpha)plastic. In large-scale developments, structures for storing
rainwater are often put underground, with Okasan Livic recommending the use of Geopools
instead of concrete for speedy
construction and greater environmental sustainability.
“With Japanese public works
now focusing on national resilience and maintenance, in addition to carbon neutrality andregenerative energy, I think
there will be a lot of changes in
the infrastructure to align withthese requirements and we will
try to provide new methods
to accommodate that,” says
Mr. Ogawa.

Geopooldeveloped many products andintroduced technologies in Japan as well as overseas. We willcontinue supporting Japanese
infrastructure into the futurewith our construction solutions,aiming to be a company that is
loved and trusted — a group of
producers with abundant creativity who will strive to realizea safe and secure society.”www.okasanlivic.co.jp

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIONIKKEN: Contributing to a recycling-basedsociety through rental
Construction equipment rental company NIKKEN CORPORATION looks to promote the reuse and sharing ofindustrial machinery in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“SDG activities are
not something new
for us. At NIKKEN,
sustainability isunderlined by ourphilosophy to contributeto a recycling-basedsociety through rental.”“Alongside civil engineeringand construction, we countshipbuilding yards, steel mills,
power plants, and railways as
the six main sectors of our business,” says Seigo Minamioka,
President and CEO of NIKKEN.
“Whilst forestry is an area whichis also being strengthened interms of our core markets, therailroad business is one of ourgreatest strengths – we havethe largest market share among
rental companies in Japan and
we are expanding overseas
through our affiliates.”“As predominantly a rental
company, we are not a manufacturing business, but we canproduce in-house. However, it’s
not mass production, which is
why we are already working
with some outsourcing companies. We have a lot of projects in the railway sector, so insome cases we outsource the
manufacturing to other firms.
We do have a nationwide network, which allows us to easily
communicate with our partnercompanies and exchange information quickly.”

Seigo Minamioka,
President and CEO,NIKKEN CORPORATION
Since its establishment in 1967,
NIKKEN CORPORATION has
been one of Japan’s leading
construction equipment rental
businesses, today renting morethan a million units of industrial
machinery across the country
to clients in the civil engineering and construction sectors.
With its commitment to putting “safety and compliancefirst”, the company operates
its business through a network

NIKKEN LIFT (aerial works platform)of approximately 250 sales offices throughout Japan as well
as facilities where it develops,
manufactures, and sells its own
products to adapt to the changing needs of customers.

Fleet control center in Kobe
NIKKEN’s international affiliates include PT. Berlian Amal
Perkasa in Indonesia, Diamond
Rental Myanmar, and T.S.K. Diamond Rental in Thailand, whilst in
the used-machinery trading business, there is NDT CORPORATION
LTD. in Tokyo, Americ Machinery
Corporation in the U.S., and NDT(Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Thailand.
“It’s important to be working withother companies such as these,

Parade auction of used equipment
in Narita
as we have our own limits, andexchanging ideas and strengths
with other firms will greatly benefit us,” says Mr. Minamioka.

NIKKEN also has a history ofprocuring a variety of products
for rental from both domestic
and foreign sources from different countries. In recent years,
it has purchased equipment tomeet renewal work demand andforestry machinery from abroad.
The company has also put increased emphasis on its goal ofcontributing to sustainability
through the reuse and sharingof equipment and products inline with the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
“Alongside helping to establish
a recycling economy, one of theSDGs that we are focusing on ispreventative measures for natural
disasters in Japan,” explains Mr.
Minamioka. “Japan is vulnerable
to natural disasters, which is why
civil engineering companies arestrengthening their presence indisaster prevention activities, witha lot happening in that sector”.

Dual-track vehicle for railway
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck
Japan in 2011, many railroad
lines were damaged severely.
In order to quickly restore thedisrupted logistics network, including the railways,
NIKKEN contributed
to the early recovery
and reconstructionof the affected areas
and to the protection of the lives of
the regional society
by quickly supplying
equipment and materials used in theconstruction work.
“If unfortunately
a n o t h e r d i s a s te r
occurs, we must beable to contributeto the subsequent restorationof infrastructure,” says Mr.

Forestry machine
Minamioka. “But SDG activities
are not something new for us
in general. At NIKKEN, sustainability is underlined by our corephilosophy and purpose: contributing to a recycling-basedsociety through rental.”

www.rental.co.jp/english/

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Reinforcing the development of the industrial world withenergy-saving and originally developed technologies
Established in 1979, Fuji-I-Tec specializes in heat insulation, sound insulation, fireproofing, asbestos removal and the painting of various types of plants including power
generation facilities – utilizing an integrated system from temperature measurement
to design and construction.

“We are extremely
proud that our insulation
technology greatly
contributes to therealization of a carbonneutral society and theefficiency of a facility.”
Fumio Uchikawa,
President,
Fuji-I-Tec Co., Ltd.
With insulation as its main
business, the letter ‘I’ in FujiI-Tec’s name represents ‘insulation technology’, one of several
areas in which the company
specializes.
“When a plant such as a power
generation facility is installed,

Spraying insulating model
we apply insulation, soundproofing, and corrosion-resistant paint.
We perform remarkably in theseareas, and we will continue toconcentrate on these technolo-

Head office staff

adherence to a and the heat insulating material
certain spirit, fills the inside so that a uniform
one which will heat insulating layer without gaps
help Fuji-I-Tec can be formed. Therefore, the heatto fearlessly insulation effect is much betterand purpose- than conventional methods. Thisf u l l y h e a d FIT-type spray method can be aptowards its plied not only to turbines but also
future ambi- to various types of equipment sucht i o n s . T h e as piping, valves and pumps.
c o m p a ny ’s
An exciting area of growth form o t t o p ro - Fuji-I-Tec is the company’s exvides the un- pansion overseas. With the help
Construction site in Hong Kong (CLP Power D-Station) derpinning for of plant construction firm Taihei
gies,” company president Fumio that innovative path: “Make it Dengyo Kaisha, Ltd., which is a
Uchikawa proudly states.
earlier and better”.
The power generation industry,“We want to keep
in its previous iteration, was an ex- enhancing our comtremely stable one, with highly de- prehensive technoveloped methods and well-honed logical capabilities,
approaches, meaning companies aiming to build asuch as Fuji-I-Tec were able to company that canperfect their business. However, provide customers
in 2016, the Japanese government with more satisfaction
decentralized and liberalized the and reliability in theindustry, meaning downstream future,” Mr. Uchikawa
Finished article (spraying insulation)companies were re- explains. “For example,
quired to reappraise we are extremely proud that our major shareholder of the comtheir methods, includ- insulation technology greatly con- pany, Fuji-I-Tec has started toing Fuji-I-Tec. Further- tributes to the realization of a make its presence felt in Southmore, environmental carbon-neutral society and the east Asian countries.
and energy-saving efficiency of a facility.”
For instance, it has recently partmeasures have beOne technology developed to nered with a company called Kum
come paramount, and help achieve these goals is Fuji- Shing Group to carry out mainno more so than in the I-Tec’s FIT-type spray method, tenance work in connection withenergy industry. This which is mainly used for large CLP Power Hong Kong Limited,
has provided Fuji-I-Tec turbines in power generation one of the two electric companies
with a great opportu- equipment. It combines mineral in Hong Kong. With a long-term
nity to adapt its origi- wool and a heat-resistant binder, maintenance contract spanning
nally developed prod- which in turn, creates insulation four-to-five years, the firm is aimucts and services by that is cost-effective and has less ing to collaborate with more local
applying energy-saving of an environmental impact. The companies in Hong Kong.
technologies, and therefore mak- conventional insulation method
As recognized by Mr. Uchikaing a great contribution to the de- can often be expensive and prone wa, a good company ensures highvelopment of the industrial world. to deteriorate quickly. However, levels of trust from its customers
Such a reconfiguration of ap- with the FIT-type spray method, and has an acute awareness of
proach requires a company-wide the turbine is covered with a cage the contribution of its employees
to its company, all while creatinga work environment that inspires
and rewards a job well done. Following these principles, Fuji-I-Tec
will continue to contribute to an
extremely bright future for all
stakeholders.
www.fuji-i-tec.co.jp/en

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Committed to contributing to the realization ofa sustainable society through iron recycling

For more than a century, Fuwa Metal has contributed to the recycling of resources
and the development of the recycling industry as a leading company in the collection,
processing and sale of steelmaking raw materials.

“As a member of the ironrecycling industry, we
would sincerely like tocreate a carbon-neutral
society and occupy anhonorable position.”
Masaaki Katsuyama,
President,
Fuwa Metal Co., Ltd.
With the immediacy of the climate crisis, it is easy to think ofrecycling companies as recent
ventures, but some, such as
Japanese iron recycler Fuwa
Metal Co., have over a century
of experience.
Founded in 1908, in the decades after Japan first began tomodernize after the fall of theEdo shogunate, Fuwa Metal was
pushing innovation in the ironrecycling sector as the country’s
domestic steel production grew
to surpass even that of the United States in the 1970s, until it

Expanding the business overseas
was surpassed by China aroundthe start of the 21st century.
Due to Japan’s scarcity of natural resources, manufacturers

have always placed importanceon efficiency and recycling, withthe country striving to makethe most out of every manufacturing process. Fuwa Metal
encompasses this philosophy
perfectly, collecting, sorting,and processing scrap iron fromshipyards, automobile manufacturers, and other sources. This
scrap is then made into steelmaking raw materials for new
products, creating a sustainable
life cycle for the iron after its
initial use.
Given the decrease in Japan’s
consumption of steel in the
1990s, Fuwa Metal diversified
into the trading business andhas now grown into a threeoffice operation in the UnitedStates since establishing Fuwa
Metal USA in 2007. Company

Speedy processing ability
president Masaaki Katsuyama
explains that Fuwa Metal helped
revolutionize logistics in the
USA when it focused on theidea of using empty shipping
containers being sent to Asia
to transport iron scrap, and it
now offers local companies cost
minimization solutions throughits nationwide alliances built
from its offices in New York,
Los Angeles, and Texas.
Mr. Katsuyama understands
the rapidly changing market
and has an eye on setting up
an office in Southeast Asia.
Having first began importingfrom Southeast Asia in 1982,
the company has strong ties in
the area and its overseas division collects information fromeach country before conveying
it to the entire company soquick decisions can be made. As

Pursuing the highest quality
Mr. Katsuyama explains: “When
we have a big contract or ameeting, we try to spread theknowledge both in Japan andoverseas by appointing our own
employees without outsourcing.
Based on this ‘circle of trust’,
we would like to foster good
relationships with overseas
business partners.”
As part of the recycling
industry, Fuwa Metal understands the need to move towards a more sustainable,
carbon neutral world. Indeed,recycling iron scrap raw materials using electric furnaces results in a quarter of the carbon
dioxide emissions caused by
the blast furnace manufacturing method that manufactures
steel from iron ore. This means
iron scrap is not simply a sustainable resource, but a trumpcard for becoming a carbonneutral world.
At its core, Fuwa Metal isa modern family business,with Mr. Katsuyama the firstnon-member of the family to
become president as the company modernized in 2016. The
business retains the strong ties
between employees that a family company creates, but withthe added benefit of listening
to wider views to make decisions. As Mr. Katsuyama details:“The philosophy inherited fromthe former president is ‘do nothesitate to challenge and don’t
be afraid of failure.’ I would
like employees to take on thischallenge positively.” This philosophy has put the company
in good stead, with transactions increasing from 800,000
tons in 2020 to 1.2 million tons
in 2021, and projections for a
100,000-ton increase a year for
the foreseeable future.
As companies and industries
around the world look to shift
to more sustainable practices,most are looking forward to findsolutions. However, companies
such as Fuwa Metal that havethe ability to look back on along history of creating sustainable solutions to help create thefuture will be key. Fuwa Metal’sidea that “people can change
the environment” is fundamental and enables the company
to coexist and develop withthe societies around it. As thecompany continues to grow, thesocieties which can benefit fromits innovation will also expand,which is for the good of all.

www.fuwa.co.jp/en

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Paper technology revolutionizing
the field of functional materials

From manufacturing traditional washi paper to advanced filter mediums, Awa Paper has
kept pace with changing demands for paper technologies.

“We have global
ambitions for our special
and functional papers.”
Yasuhiro Miki,
President, Awa Paper &Technological Company, Inc.
Based in Tokushima, an area surrounded by rivers and mountains,
Awa Paper is blessed with an abundance of the raw materials necessary
for continued success in the papermaking industry. The firm mainly

panies that want to improve therun-off quality in their wastewater
facilities. The company’s leading
product in water-treatment, M-fine,is a flat-sheet membrane for membrane bioreactors, boasting theguaranteed quality and excellencesynonymous with the company’s
M-fine Unit
paper filtration technologies.
serves the automotive and the water
Awa Paper has also developed atreatment industries, making signifi- MBR wastewater treatment systemcant efforts in developing membrane called “M-fine Package”, designed forsupport fabric for Reverse Osmosis small-scale municipal and industrial
membranes in desalination plants. applications, which can bring benAs water scarcity is becoming
efits such as easy installation, smalla more significant issue
footprint, and low mainteall over the world, Awa
nance work. This packaged
Paper is emphasizing thesystem technolorecyclability and reusabilgy could lead toity of water, breathinga recycling sysnew life into the sector.
tem, “meguri”, a
Awa Paper aims toclosed-loop sewprovide better features
age treatment
and solutions to com- M-fine Package
system which

M-fine Unit
treats sewage with M-fine filtration
technologies, putting the high-quality
permeated water through a recycling
process that allows it to be reused forflushing toilets, watering gardens orfor agricultural use. “meguri” does
not require water pipes, nor connection to the grid due to its capacity
to run on solar. These cutting-edge
products provide an example of Awa
Paper drawing on its 100-plus-year
history to overcome present and future challenges.

Partner of Water

www.awapaper.co.jp/e/

PPE that provides peace of mind
Since 1934, Yotsugi has been a trusted supplier of high-quality personal protective equipment
for electrical workers, not only keeping its wearers safe but also ensuring maximum comfort.
Based in Tokyo, Japan, Yotsugi
boasts nearly 90 years of experience as a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE),
specializing in high-voltage insulating gloves, clothes and bootsfor electrical workers.
Yotsugi’s commitment to quality– a trait typical of Japanese manufacturing – sets it apart from its

EVA Blanket
emerging Asian competitors, sayspresident Naoto Yotsugi: “Consumers pay attention to the countries where their products comefrom, and they prefer the highquality products that Japanesecompanies like us can provide.

yourself how easy it is to move inthem. We’ve consistently received
positive feedback from users who
say it’s easy to operate while
wearing our equipment.”
With Japan’s aging society
leading to domestic labor shortagTECHNO Factoryes, Yotsugi has estab- l i s h e d“People use PPE to protect their a production
lives, so quality matters more than plant in Vietprice. Some Southeast Asian nam – a movecountries might offer a cheaper also aimed atprice, but people understand the c a p i t a l i z i n gimportance of durability and the on the emergpotential risks involved.
ing Southeast“We’ve earned the trust of our Asian market.
customers at electrical companies “ D eve l o p i n g
by protecting the lives of their countries such
employees who work with high- as Southeast
voltage equipment.”
Asian counYotsugi PPE offers
tries are expeRubber glove
not only safety but
riencing aalso comfort, Mr.
boom in infrastrucYotsugi says: “Seeture and growing
ing is believing. Once
population density,
you try on our prodso our product lineucts, you’ll experience for Rubber sleeve
up will be seeing an“We’ve earned the trustof our customers at
electrical companies byprotecting the lives of
their employees who
work with high-voltage
equipment.”
Naoto Yotsugi, President &Director of Yotsugi Co., Ltd.
increase in demand there,” Mr.
Yotsugi explains.
Yotsugi is also interested in
expanding to Europe, North
America and South America, as
Mr. Yotsugi says: “These markets
are large and attractive for developing new sales channels.”
www.yotsugi.co.jp

CONTENT BY THE WORLDFOLIO

Illuminating the path towards uniqueproducts of the highest quality
Since its foundation, GENTOS has been offering products and services that are essential
in our lives. After introducing flashlights, headlights, lanterns, and other products
equipped with white LEDs to the Japanese market, GENTOS is now ready to take on
the challenge of diversifying into new markets.
A light failing in our homes
means the bothersome task ofswitching the bulb. But in anindustrial setting, lights mustensure the safety of hundredsof workers at a time, otherwise countless lives would be
exposed to danger. Therefore,
only high-quality lights thathave undergone rigorous testing to ensure their reliability
should be used, and Japanesemanufacturer GENTOS is oneof the world’s leading companies for such products.
Founded in 1978, GENTOS uses the Japanese philosophy of monozukuri tocreate unique lights which meet
the American National Standards
Institute’s strict standards. The
company’s products range fromindustrial lighting to
flashlights, headlights, and lanterns. GENTOS
prides itself on
being able to provide variations and options with added
value to satisfy each customer’s needs, as company president Makoto Okazaki explains:“Our extensive knowledge ofthe industrial applications ofLEDs is an advantage for us
when it comes to introducing smaller-sized and customized products.”
With 20 years of experience in flashlight
production, thecompany has aneye on expanding
into the Ameri-can and European
markets, where
its superior quality
products can help
the company to grow.
GENTOS’ products not only passindustry testing, but continue towork well in the long run thanks
to the quality and reliability forwhich the company is renowned.
Having established a strong
base in both its B2B and B2C
operations, GENTOS expanded
into Thailand in 2016 where it
has manufacturing facilities
overseen by Japanese personnel to ensure the monozukuri mindset is followed. Mr. Okazaki
explains that: “inorder to grow as
a company, we are“In order to grow as acompany, we are always
seeking out new sectors.
We will always rise to
the challenge even if welack expertise.”
Makoto Okazaki,
President, GENTOS Co., Ltd.
always seeking out new sectors.
We will always rise to the challenge even if we lack expertise, andwe will continue to do so in 2022.”
As GENTOS continues to expand
and diversify, it will remain a shining light for quality and reliability.

www.gentos.jp

World leader in gas sensing innovation
Leveraging over 50 years of expertise, Figaro Engineering offers a wide array of gas sensor products for thedetection of explosive and toxic gases, as well as air quality sensors.
Since its founding, Japanese gas
sensor manufacturer Figaro has
been at the vanguard of gas sensors,
beginning commercial productionof the world’s first semiconductor
type gas sensors in 1969, while thecompany continues to lead the way
in top-class reliable gas sensors. As
company president Toshihiro Udaka
explains: “We understand the criticalnature of our products that ensure
the user’s safety. Even low defective
rates wouldn’t be considered acceptable in Japan, and this rigorous
Japanese approach to quality anddefects is what distinguishes us.”

OfficeFigaro’s combustible gas sensors
are widely used for residential andRV gas detectors in Japan, theU.S.A., Europe, and many Asian
countries. The Japanese firm also
supplies a variety of air quality sen-

Factorysors to home appliance, HVAC, andautomotive industries around theworld; while its industry-leading
electrochemical CO sensors haveearned the company almost 50%of the global market share.
Figaro’s TGS8000 Series is developed by combining its extensive
expertise in gas sensing materials
with MEMS technology. Their new
MEMS type methane sensor has
some of the lowest power consump-tion in the world, while the ultracompact size of its new CO sensor
allows for a wider range of applications with flexibility in gas detector
design. These new products canfacilitate their usage in batteryoperated gas detectors that canbe installed anywhere without thelimitation of a main power source,bringing gas sensors into the age of
IoT and ICT. With indoor air control
becoming a priority for customers,
Figaro’s CO2 sensors act as indicesof ventilation and can help ensurebuildings comply with regulations
on CO2 levels.
With a vast distribution network
reaching 49 countries and production
facilities in China,
Figaro is creatingsafer and more
comfortable environments acrossthe world, allowing its customers to
relax knowing that industry-leading
technology is protecting them.

Toshihiro Udaka, President& Representative Director,
Figaro Engineering Inc.

Gas Sensors
www.figaro.co.jp/en